The Emergency Management Unit (EMU) was created in December 2003 to ensure a state of readiness for any emergency faced by the ministry and/or the healthcare system. Establishing infection control and surveillance standards which protect against infections and provide an early-warning system of an infectious disease outbreak minimizes the likelihood of an emergency. With the emergency management plan, stockpiling critical equipment like N95 masks and respirators and conducting event simulations the ministry is prepared for the eventuality of an emergency of any sort that has health implications (for example, a power outage, a biological accident, or contaminated water supply).

Emergency preparedness also allows a quick recovery to regular activities within the health care system that may be suspended during a crisis. Beyond acute care the plan also accounts for business continuity for health care services like long-term care compliance advisors and public health laboratory activities.